STIHL MS 211 Workshop Manual

The STIHL MS 211 is a lightweight, professional-grade chainsaw designed for demanding forestry and arborist work. This workshop manual provides detailed technical information, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides, and repair instructions for qualified technicians. It covers the MS 211's engine system, fuel system, ignition system, cutting equipment, safety features, and electronic engine management. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance schedules, disassembly/assembly, troubleshooting, and spare parts.

1. Technical Specifications 2. Safety Instructions 3. Maintenance Schedule 4. Engine System 5. Fuel System 6. Ignition System 7. Cutting Equipment 8. Disassembly & Assembly 9. Troubleshooting 10. Spare Parts List 11. Torque Specifications

Technical Specifications

Key technical data for the STIHL MS 211 chainsaw.

Feature	Specification
Engine Type	STIHL 2-MIX engine, single cylinder, 2-stroke
Displacement	35.2 cm³ (2.15 cu. in.)
Power Output	1.8 kW (2.4 bhp)
Fuel Tank Capacity	0.47 l (15.9 US fl. oz.)
Oil Tank Capacity	0.26 l (8.8 US fl. oz.)
Recommended Bar Lengths	35 cm (14"), 40 cm (16")
Chain Pitch	3/8" PMM
Weight (powerhead only)	4.6 kg (10.1 lbs)
Ignition System	Electronic ignition (CDI)
Idle Speed	2800 rpm

Safety Instructions

Critical safety warnings for workshop personnel.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection when working on the chainsaw.
Fuel Safety: Work in a well-ventilated area. No smoking or open flames. Use approved fuel containers.
Disconnect Spark Plug: Always disconnect the spark plug boot before performing any maintenance or repair.
Secure the Saw: Use a proper vise or holding fixture to secure the powerhead during disassembly.
Sharp Tools: Handle cutting tools and sharp edges with care.

WARNING! Failure to follow safety instructions can result in serious injury or death. This manual is for trained technicians only.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal performance and longevity.

Daily/Before Use: Check chain tension, sharpness, and lubrication. Inspect for loose fasteners and visible damage.
Every 10 Operating Hours: Clean air filter. Check spark plug condition and gap.
Every 20 Operating Hours: Clean spark arrestor screen (if equipped). Check fuel filter and fuel lines.
Every 50 Operating Hours: Clean cooling fins. Check carburetor adjustment and idle speed.
Every 100 Operating Hours: Replace fuel filter. Inspect clutch, sprocket, and anti-vibration elements.
Annually/Seasonally: Full inspection of all systems. Replace worn or damaged parts.

CAUTION! Use only genuine STIHL replacement parts and lubricants.

Engine System

Cylinder & Piston: Inspection for scoring, carbon deposits, and ring wear. Piston pin and circlip service.
Crankshaft & Bearings: Check for runout and bearing play. Replacement procedure.
Muffler: Removal, cleaning of carbon deposits, and spark arrestor maintenance.
Cooling System: Cleaning of cylinder fins and fan housing. Importance of proper airflow.
Decompression Valve: Testing and replacement procedure.
STIHL 2-MIX Technology: Explanation of stratified scavenging process for reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

Fuel System

Components: Fuel tank, cap, lines, filter, carburetor (Zama C1Q-S series), and purge bulb.

Carburetor Adjustment: Settings for idle speed (L), high speed (H), and low speed (LA) screws. Use of tachometer (recommended idle: 2800 rpm).

Fuel Line Replacement: Procedure for removing old lines and installing new ones with proper clamps.

Fuel Filter: Location in tank, replacement steps.

Diagnosis: Symptoms of air leaks, clogged jets, or faulty diaphragm.

Ignition System

Electronic Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) module, spark plug, stop switch, and wiring.

Spark Plug: Type BPMR 7A (or equivalent). Gap: 0.5 mm (0.020").
Testing Ignition Module: Using a proper ignition tester to check for spark output. Resistance values for primary/secondary coils (if applicable).
Air Gap: Check and adjust gap between flywheel and ignition module.
Stop Switch Circuit: Continuity test to ensure proper ground when activated.

Tip: A weak or no spark is often caused by a faulty module, broken wire, or incorrect air gap.

Cutting Equipment

Guide bar, saw chain, sprocket, clutch, and chain brake system.

Bar Maintenance: Cleaning oil grooves, checking for straightness and wear. Dressing bar rails.
Chain Sharpening: Correct filing angles (30° cutting angle, 10° top plate angle). Depth gauge setting.
Sprocket Inspection: Check for wear (diameter increase, hooking). Replace if worn.
Clutch Service: Inspection of clutch shoes, springs, and drum. Wear limits.
Chain Brake Function Test: Manual and inertial activation. Band inspection and replacement.
Oil Pump: Adjusting oil flow rate. Testing output and replacing pump diaphragm if needed.

WARNING! Always use a matched set of STIHL guide bar, chain, and sprocket. Worn cutting equipment is a major safety hazard.

Disassembly & Assembly

Step-by-step procedures for major component removal and installation.

General Sequence: Remove cutting attachment > fuel/oil tanks > starter assembly > clutch/flywheel > cylinder > crankshaft.

Special Tools Required: STIHL piston stop, flywheel puller, clutch holder, ring compressor, torque wrench.

Key Steps:
1. Securing the crankshaft for clutch removal.
2. Proper alignment of crankshaft seals during assembly.
3. Setting piston ring end gap orientation.
4. Applying sealant (e.g., Dirko) to crankcase halves.

CAUTION! Mark components for reassembly. Do not force parts. Refer to torque specifications.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine will not start	No spark, no fuel, flooded	Check spark, fuel delivery, choke operation. Dry plug if flooded.
Engine starts then dies	Clogged fuel filter, carburetor issue, air leak	Replace fuel filter, clean/adjust carb, pressure test crankcase.
Lack of power/overheats	Clogged air filter, muffler, carb adjustment, low compression	Clean filters/muffler, adjust carb, check compression (≥ 120 psi).
Excessive vibration	Loose components, unbalanced clutch, damaged AV mounts	Tighten fasteners, replace clutch/flywheel, inspect anti-vibration elements.
Chain does not oil	Empty oil tank, clogged oil passages, faulty pump	Fill tank, clean bar groove and oil port, test/replace oil pump.
Chain brake does not engage	Worn brake band, dirty mechanism, broken spring	Clean, inspect, and replace brake band or spring as needed.

Spare Parts List

Common replacement part numbers (illustrative - confirm with latest IPL).

Piston Kit: 1128 030 2005
Cylinder: 1128 030 2003
Crankshaft: 1128 030 2400
Carburetor Repair Kit: 1128 007 1050
Fuel Filter: 0000 350 3504
Air Filter: 0000 350 3500
Spark Plug: 0000 400 1300 (BPMR 7A)
Clutch Drum/Sprocket: 1128 640 2001
Chain Brake Band: 1128 650 2001
Oil Pump: 1128 650 0800

Note: Always reference the official Illustrated Parts List (IPL) for your specific serial number.

Torque Specifications

Critical fastener torque values (in Nm). Use a calibrated torque wrench.

Fastener	Torque (Nm)	Notes
Cylinder bolts	10 Nm	Tighten in cross pattern
Muffler bolts	8 Nm	Use anti-seize compound
Clutch nut	40 Nm	Left-hand thread
Flywheel nut	35 Nm	Right-hand thread
Spark plug	25 Nm
Guide bar nuts	9-10 Nm	After adjusting chain tension
Anti-vibration buffer bolts	8 Nm
Starter housing screws	4 Nm

Service Support: For technical assistance or to order parts, contact your authorized STIHL dealer or visit www.stihl.com.